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Freight fundamentals and SCAC codes—simplified. A plain-English guide to help you ship with confidence.
This freight shipping guide explains LTL, FTL, air, and ocean freight in plain language. Learn how to choose the right mode, read SCAC codes, prepare accurate quotes, and prevent damage—so you can ship with confidence and avoid surprise costs from booking to proof-of-delivery.
Fundamentals
A legal document that serves as a receipt of goods, contract of carriage, and document of title.
A document confirming that a shipment has been successfully delivered to the intended recipient.
Additional services beyond standard pickup and delivery, such as liftgate service or inside delivery.
National Motor Freight Classification codes used to categorize freight for shipping purposes.
A standardized classification system based on density, stowability, handling, and liability.
A term indicating when liability and ownership of goods transfers from seller to buyer.
Services
Ideal for smaller loads that don’t require a full trailer.
Best when your shipment fills an entire trailer—faster and with less handling.
Combines modes like rail + truck for cost-efficiency.
Time-critical deliveries with priority handling.
Temperature-controlled shipping for perishables.
Special handling, permits, and equipment for complex loads.
| Factor | LTL (Less-than-Truckload) | FTL (Full Truckload) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ~1–6 pallets sharing trailer space | Loads filling most or all of a trailer |
| Transit time | Longer—moves through terminals | Faster—direct, point-to-point |
| Handling touches | More (higher damage exposure) | Fewer (lower damage risk) |
| Cost basis | Pay for the space you use | Pay for the whole trailer |
| Good fit | Smaller, flexible shipments | Large, fragile, or time-sensitive freight |
Reference
A SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) is a unique two-to-four-letter code that identifies a transportation carrier across shipping documents, TMS platforms, EDI messages, and customs records. Using the correct SCAC keeps your quotes, tracking, and paperwork consistent from booking to delivery.
Always confirm a carrier’s SCAC directly before using it on shipping documents.
Search the Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) for common ocean, trucking, and rail carriers, updated for 2026.
Showing 30 of 30 carriers
| Carrier Name | SCAC Code |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Container Line (ACL) | ACLU |
| Alianza | ANRM |
| Alaska Marine Lines (AML) | AKMR |
| Australia National Line (ANL) | ANNU |
| American President Lines (APL) | APLU |
| Arkas Container Transport S.A. (Arkas) | ARUU |
| CMA CGM | CMDU |
| COSCO Shipping Lines | COSU |
| Evergreen Marine | EGLV |
| Hapag-Lloyd | HLCU |
| Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) | HDMU |
| Maersk Line | MAEU |
| Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) | MSCU |
| Ocean Network Express (ONE) | ONEY |
| OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) | OOLU |
| Matson Navigation | MATS |
| Yang Ming Marine Transport | YMLU |
| ZIM Integrated Shipping | ZIMU |
| FedEx Freight | FXFE |
| Old Dominion Freight Line | ODFL |
| Estes Express Lines | EXLA |
| ABF Freight | ABFS |
| Saia Motor Freight Line | SAIA |
| R+L Carriers | RLCA |
| TForce Freight (formerly UPS Freight) | UPGF |
| Union Pacific Railroad | UP |
| BNSF Railway | BNSF |
| CSX Transportation | CSXT |
| Canadian National Railway | CN |
| Canadian Pacific Kansas City | CP |
Tip: Codes ending with “U” typically identify container carriers. Codes ending with “X” identify privately owned rail cars. Always confirm a carrier’s SCAC directly before using it on shipping documents.
FAQ